Orthosis and method for cervical mobilization

ABSTRACT

A method of using a neck brace to move a neck of a person or stabilize the neck includes connecting a vest of the neck brace to a torso of a person. A support member of the neck brace is connected to the vest. A chin support of the neck brace is connected to a chin of the person. Force is applied between the support member and the chin support to move the chin support relative to the support member. A cam member of the neck brace guides movement of the chin support relative to the support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/909,584, filed Aug. 2, 2004 U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,573, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/329,866, filed Dec.26, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,047), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/728,106, filed Dec. 1, 2000 (now U.S.Pat. No. 6,503,213 B2). The entire content of each of these applicationsis expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method of using aneck brace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A known neck brace for stabilizing a neck of a person is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,793,334. The neck brace disclosed in this patentincludes a framework and straps for securing the framework to the body.A chin support member is positioned relative to the framework to presentmovement of the neck. The chin support member is supported on a strut.The strut is releasably and pivotally mounted to the framework. A bracemember extending from the strut provides pivotable movement of thestrut.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel method for using a neck brace tomove a neck of a person or stabilize the neck. The method includesconnecting a vest of the neck brace to a torso of the person. A supportmember of the neck brace is connected to the vest. A chin support of theneck brace is connected to a chin of the person. Force is appliedbetween the support member and the chin support to move the chin supportrelative to the support member. A cam member guides movement of the chinsupport relative to the support member.

The chin support may be moved relative to the support member after thesupport member is connected to the torso of the person and the chinsupport is connected to the chin. Accordingly, upon applying forcebetween the support member and the chin support, the chin is movedrelative to the torso to move the neck of the person. The neck braceallows stretching and distraction of the neck. The neck brace can beused to stretch the neck of burn patients as well as for possibledistraction of the neck for people with disc problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the invention will become moreapparent upon consideration of the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a neck brace constructed in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 1A is an illustration of the neck brace of FIG. 1 connected to aperson;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a portion of the neck brace of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the neck brace taken generallyalong the line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the neck brace of FIG. 1 depictingthe manner in which the neck brace is operated to move the neck inflexion;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the neck brace, generally similar toFIG. 4, depicting the manner in which the neck brace is operated to movethe neck in extension; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a vest of the neck brace of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Neck Brace—General Description

A neck brace 10 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) can be used to move or stabilize a neck22 of a person. The neck brace 10 includes a T-shaped support member 12which is connected with a torso 14 of a person. A chin support 16 isconnected with a chin 18 of the person. An actuator mechanism 20 movesthe chin support 16 relative to the support member 12. The chin support16 is moved relative to the support member 12 after the chin support isconnected to the chin 18 and the support member is connected to thetorso 14 to move the neck 22 of the person. The support member 12 andthe chin support 16 may have any desired construction as long as theyare effective to engage the torso 14 and the chin 18.

A cloth vest 30 (FIG. 1A), which will be described in detailhereinafter, connects the support member 12 with the torso 14. The chinsupport 16 (FIG. 1) includes a chin portion 32 formed to engage the chin18. A back portion 34 of the chin support 16 for engaging the back ofthe neck 22 is connected to the portion 32 by an elastic band 36. Theelastic band 36 extends through the back portion 34 and has oppositeends connected to the chin portion 32. Accordingly, the back portion 34can move relative to the chin portion 32.

It is contemplated that the back portion 34 could be connected to thechin portion 32 in any manner that will permit adjustment of the backportion 34 relative to the chin portion and connection of the chinsupport 16 to the chin 18. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that theback portion 34 could have any shape which conforms to the back of aperson's neck. The chin portion 32 could have any shape that conforms tothe chin 18.

A pair of interconnecting members or arms 38 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) connectthe chin support 16 with the support member 12. The arms 38 extend fromthe chin support 16 to the actuator mechanism 20. Each of the arms 38has an upper end 40 with a slot 44 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Threaded members 46(FIG. 2) extend from the portion 32 of the chin support 16 through theslots 44. Clamping members 48 threadably engage the threaded members 46to clamp the ends 40 of the arms 38 to the portion 32. The portion 32can be positioned relative to the arms 38 when the clamping members 46are loosened from the threaded members 46. The portion 32 can be pivotedabout the threaded members 46 and the threaded members can be movedbetween the ends of the slots 44 to position the chin support 16relative to the arms 38.

The actuator mechanism 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is connected to a pivotsupport 50 connected to a support plate 52 of the support member 12. Theactuator mechanism 20 is connected to the pivot support by a pivotconnection 54. The actuator mechanism 20 transmits force between thesupport member 12 and the chin support 16 to simultaneously pivot theactuator mechanism about a pivot axis of the pivot connection 54 andmove the interconnecting members 38 relative to the actuator mechanism.

The actuator mechanism 20 transmits force from an input member which inthe illustrated embodiment of the neck brace 10, is a manually rotatableknob 56. Force is transmitted from the knob 56 through the actuatormechanism 20 to the chin support 16. Force is transmitted from theactuator mechanism 20 to pivot the actuators mechanism about the pivotconnection 54. In addition, force is transmitted from the knob 56 tomove the interconnecting members 38 and the chin support 16 relative tothe actuator mechanism 20 as the actuator mechanism pivots about thepivot connection 54.

A frame 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the actuator mechanism 20 has a lowerhousing 68 and an upper housing 70 joined by a front plate 72 and a backplate 74. The back plate 74 is connected to the pivot support 50 by thepivot connection 54. A drive mechanism 62 for the neck brace 10 isdisposed substantially within the frame 60. The drive mechanism 62includes the manually actuatable knob 56 which is fixed to a shaft 80.The shaft 80 (FIG. 3) extends into the frame 60 and a gear 82 is fixedto the shaft. The gear 82 engages external gear teeth 84 on a gear 86.Rotation of the gear 80 about its axis causes rotation of the gear 86about its axis.

The gear 86 (FIG. 3) is fixed to an externally threaded member 92. Thegear 86 is journalled for rotation in the lower housing 68. The oppositeend of the screw 92 is journalled for rotation in a bushing 96 mountedin the upper housing 70 of the frame 60. A base link 100 has aninternally threaded opening 102 through which the screw 92 extends inthreaded engagement. As the screw 92 rotates, the base link 100 movesaxially along the screw within the frame 60.

The interconnecting arms 38 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are fixedly connected to thebase link 100 by screws 110. The screws 110 also fixedly connect links120 to the base link 100 and the arms 38. The links 120 extend from thebase link 100 toward the support member 12.

A pin 124 (FIG. 2) is connected to ends 126 of the links 120 by screws128. The pin 124 extends between the ends 126 of links 120 and through aslot 130 in a cam member 132 connected with the support plate 52. Theslot 130 in the cam member 132 guides movement of the pin 124 relativeto the support member 12. Accordingly, the slot 130 guides movement ofthe base link 100, the interconnecting members 38, and the chin support16 relative to the support member 12.

The slot 130 (FIG. 2) has a first or upper end portion 136 and a secondor lower end portion 138. The upper and lower end portions 136 and 138of the slot 130 extend in directions generally parallel to each otherand the support plate 52. An intermediate portion 140 of the slot 130extends between the end portions 136 and 138. The slot 130 guidesmovement of the links 120, base link 100, interconnecting members 38,and chin support 16 along paths having first and second end portionsextending in directions generally parallel to each other andintermediate portions extending between the first and second endportions.

The actuator mechanism 20 is operable to move the chin support 16 andthe chin 18 prom an initial position, such as the one shown in FIG. 4,to actuated positions, such as the one shown in FIG. 5. Operation of theactuator mechanism 20 moves the chin support 16 along, the path havingfirst and second end portions extending in directions generally parallelto each other and an intermediate portion extending between the firstand second end portions. As this occurs, the frame 60 pivots about thepivot connection 54 and the interconnecting members 38 move relative tothe frame.

Moving Neck in Extension

When the input knob 56 is manually rotated in the direction of arrow 150in FIG. 1, the actuator mechanism 20 is operated. Operation of theactuator mechanism 20 transmits force from the knob 56 to the base link100. The base link 100 and arms 38 move in an upward direction as viewin FIG. 4 from the orientation shown in FIG. 4 toward the orientationshown in FIG. 5 to move the neck 22 in extension.

Operation of the actuator mechanism 20 moves the base link 100 and theinterconnecting members 38 away from the lower housing 68. As the baselink 100 moves away from the lower housing 68, the links 120 move withthe base link. Accordingly, the pin 124 moves along the slot 130 fromthe lower end portion 138 to the intermediate portion 140 and to theupper end portion 136. As the pin 124 moves along the slot 130, theframe 60 pivots in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in FIGS. 4and 5) about the pivot connection 54. Simultaneously therewith, theinterconnecting members 38 move relative to the frame 60. Pivotalmovement of the frame 60 causes the chin support 16, the interconnectingmembers 38, and the base link 100 to move about the pivot axis of thepivot connection 54. As the interconnecting members 38 move relative tothe frame 60 and the frame pivots about the pivot connection 54 towardthe orientation shown in FIG. 5, the neck 22 is moved in extension.

During movement of the interconnecting members 38 relative to the frame60 and movement of the neck 22 in extension, the actuator mechanism 20transmits force to the chin support 16. The interconnecting members 38move relative to the frame 60 and the frame pivots about the pivotconnection 54. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, theinterconnecting members 38 and the frame 60 are moved by the actuatormechanism 20 through a range of movement from the positions shown inFIG. 4 to a condition of maximum extension as shown in FIG. 5. When thelinks 120 are in the positions showing in FIG. 5, notches 152 in thelinks 120 extend around screws 154 of the pivot connection 54. It shouldbe understood that the foregoing specific range of movement of the neckbrace 10 has been set forth herein for purposes of clarity ofdescription and that it is contemplated that specific embodiments of theneck brace will have interconnecting members 38 and a frame 60 whichmove through different distances relative to each other and are movableto different angular orientations relative to the support member 12.

It is contemplated that the specific procedure which is followed to movethe neck 22 in extension will vary depending upon the conditions of theneck and the desires of a surgeon or therapist supervising the use ofthe neck brace 10. However, it is believed that it may be preferred touse a static progressive stretch procedure during movement of the neck22. This procedure is implemented by operating the actuator mechanism 20to move the neck 22 in extension to a limit of tolerance of the neckwithout severe pain. This position of the neck 22 is held for a periodof time, for example, five minutes, to allow the tissue of the neck torelax. As the tissue relaxes, stress decreases. After the period of timehas elapsed, the input member is manually rotated to again stretch thetissue of the neck 22 to the limit of tolerance. This condition is againheld for a period of time, for example, five minutes, to allow thetissue in the neck 22 to again relax. The process is repeated for theduration of a therapy session which, may be approximately 30 minuteslong.

The input knob 56 may be manually rotated by either the patient, thatis, the person having the neck 22 on which the neck brace 10 is mounted,or by a supervisory personnel, such as a therapist. However, it isbelieved that it will be desired to have the patient actuate the neckbrace 10 to affect movement of the neck 22. The patient can feel whenthe tissue has tightened and the neck 22 has been moved to the limit ofits tolerance, without severe pain. The patient can also feel when thetissue has relaxed and further actuation of the neck brace 10 to furthermove the neck 22 in extension can be undertaken.

Moving Neck in Flexion

When the neck 22 is to be moved in flexion, the input knob 56 ismanually rotated, in the direction of arrow 158 in FIG. 1, to operatethe actuator mechanism 20. Operation of the actuator mechanism 20transmits force from the input knob 56 to the base link 100. As theinput knob 56 is manually rotated, the actuator mechanism 20 moves thebase link 100 toward the lower housing 68 and away from the tipperhousing 70. Thus, the links 120 are moved from the position shown inFIG. 5 toward the position shown in FIG. 4 as the input knob 56 ismanually rotated.

As the base link 100 is moved toward the lower housing 68, the links 120move downward, as viewed in FIG. 5. As the links 120 move downward, thepin 124 moves along the slot 130 from the upper end portion 136 throughthe interconnecting portion 140 to the lower end portion 138. Thus, theinterconnecting members 38 move relative to the frame 60 and the framepivots in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 5) about the pivotconnection 54. As the interconnecting members 38 move and the frame 60pivots, the neck 22 is moved in fe ion from the initial condition shownin FIG. 5 toward the condition shown in FIG. 4.

As the interconnecting members 38 move relative to the frame 60 and theframe pivots about the pivot connection 54, the chin support 16 and thechin 18 are moved from the position shown in FIG. 5 toward the positionshown in FIG. 4. Thus, force is transmitted from the actuator mechanism20 to the interconnecting members 38 to move the chin support 16 along apath having first and second end portions extending in directionsgenerally parallel to each other and an intermediate portion extendingbetween the first and second end portions.

It is believed that a static progressive stretch procedure may bepreferred for moving the neck 22 in flexion. Thus, the input knob 56 ismanually rotated to operate the actuator mechanism 20 and affectmovement of the chin support 16 to move the neck 22 in flexion until thepatient feels tissue tightness, but not severe pain. The neck brace 10is maintained in that position for a period of time, which may be fiveminutes. When the tissue relaxes, the input knob 56 is again rotated tostretch the tissue. The steps of operating the neck brace 10 to stretchthe tissue, interrupting operation of the neck brace to allow the tissueto relax and then again operating the neck brace to again stretch thetissue is repeated for the duration of a therapy session.

As was previously mentioned, the knob 56 may be manually rotated by atherapist or surgeon. However, it is believed that it will be preferredto have the patient manually rotate the knob. Thus, the person havingthe neck 22 will rotate the knob 56 until he or she feels the tissuetighten and will further rotate the knob to further move the neck whenhe or she feels the tissue relax.

In the example of moving the neck 22 in flexion, illustrated in FIGS. 4and 5, the neck is moved from an initial condition illustrated in FIG.5. However, it is believed, that under certain circumstances, the neckmay initially be in a condition between the conditions shown in FIGS. 4and 5 and moved in flexion to the condition in FIG. 4. When this is tobe done, the neck brace 10 is operated to move the neck 22 in flexiontoward the condition illustrated in FIG. 4.

Stabilizing Neck

The neck brace 10 can be used to stabilize the neck 22 in a desiredposition. When the neck brace 10 is to be used to stabilize the neck 22,the vest 30 is connected with the torso 14. The support member 12 isplaced over the chest and connected with the vest 30. The actuatormechanism 20 is operated by turning the knob 56 in the direction ofarrow 150 or arrow 158 to move the interconnecting members 38 relativeto the support member 12.

Operation of the actuator mechanism 20 transmits force from the inputknob 56 to the base link 100. As the input knob 56 is rotated, the baselink 100, the links 120, and tile interconnecting members 38 moverelative to the frame 60. The pin 124 moves along the slot 130.Accordingly, the interconnecting members 38 move along paths havingfirst and second end portions extending in directions generally parallelto each other and intermediate portions extending between the first andsecond end portions. The interconnecting members 38 move relative to theflame 60 and the frame pivots about the pivot connection 54.

When the interconnecting members 38 have been moved to a desiredposition, the chin support 16 is connected with the chin 18. The chinsupport 16 is positioned relative to the interconnecting members 38. Theclamping members 48 are threaded onto the threaded members 46 to clampthe interconnecting members 38 to the chin support 16. Once the neckbrace 10 is connected to the person, operation of the actuator mechanism20 is prevented so that the neck 22 is stabilized.

Actuator Mechanism

The actuator mechanism 20 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is supported on the pivotsupport 50 of the support member 12. The actuator mechanism 20 includesthe externally threaded member 92 which is rotatably supported withinthe frame 60. A central axis of the screw 92 extends through the centerof the base link 100.

The manually rotatable knob 56 is fixedly connected to the shaft 80. Theshaft 80 (FIG. 3) has the gear 82 in meshing engagement with the gear 84connected with the screw 92. The base link 100 has internal threadconvolutions which engage with external thread convolutions on the screw92. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the base link 100 ismovable relative to the frame 60 and the screw 92. However, the frame 60and the screw 92 could be movable relative to the base link 100. If thiswas done, the base link 100 would be connected with the support member12 and the frame 60 would be connected with the interconnecting members38.

Upon rotation of the input member or knob 56, the base link 100 movesrelative to the screw 92 and the frame 60. As this occurs, the links 120move with the base link 100 relative to the frame 60. Also, theinterconnecting members 38 and the chin support 16 move relative to theframe 60 and the frame pivots about the pivot connection 54. Of course,movement of the interconnecting members 38 and the frame 60 moves theneck 22 with which the neck brace 10 is connected. Movement of the baselink 100 toward the upper housing 70 moves the neck in extension.Movement of the base link 100 away from the upper housing 70 moves theneck 22 in flexion.

The base link 100 and the frame 60 can be moved from an initialcondition between the conditions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to one of theactuated conditions shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The base link 100 and theinterconnecting members 38 move along paths having first and second endportions extending in directions generally parallel to each other andinterconnecting portions extending between the first and second endportions. The base link 100 and the interconnecting members 38 areguided along the paths due to engagement of the pill 124 in the slot 130of the cam member 132.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the screw 92 has athread so that the knob 56 is manually rotated in a clockwise direction,as indicated by arrow 150 in FIG. 1, to move the base link 100 towardthe upper housing 70. When the knob 56 is manually rotated in acounterclockwise direction, the base link 100 moves away from the upperhousing 70. It should be understood that an input member other than theknob 56 could be used to operate the actuator mechanism 20 if desired.

Vest

The support member 12 (FIGS. 1A and 6) is connected with the torso 14 ofthe person using the, vest 30. The vest 30 (FIG. 6) has a front portion170 and a back portion 172. The front portion 170 has side portions 174and 176. A catch member 177 is fixedly connected to the side portion 174and is releasably connected to the side portion 176 to bold the sideportions together when the vest 30 is worn. Shoulder portions 178interconnect the front portion 170 and the back portion 172.

The shoulder portions 178 extend over the shoulders or the person whenthe vest 30 is connected to the torso 14. The front portion 170 coversthe chest of the person. The back portion 172 covers the back of theperson when the person is wearing the vest 30.

Shoulder straps 180 (FIGS. 1A and 6) are connected with the back portion172 and extend over the shoulder portions 178 to connect the vest 30 tothe person. The straps 180 also connect the support member 12 to thevest 30. The straps 180 extend through retainers 184 connected to thesupport member 12 to secure the support member to the vest 30.

A suitable strap 190 (FIGS. 1A and 6) extends around a mid-section ofthe person and through loops (not shown) on the back portion 172 of thevest 30. The strap 190 has opposite end portions 192 and 194. The endportions 192 and 194 of the strap 190 extend through retainers 198connected with the support member 12 to further connect the supportmember to the vest 30 and the vest to the person.

Conclusion

The present invention provides a new and improved method for using aneck brace 10. The neck brace 10 can be used to stabilize the neck 22 orto move the neck in extension or flexion. The support member 12 isconnected with a torso 14 of the person and a chin support 16 isconnected with a chin 18 of the person. An actuator mechanism 20 isoperated to move the chin support 16 relative to the support member 12.The chin support 16 is guided along a path by the pin 124 extending intothe slot 130 of the cam member 132.

From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the artwill perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Suchimprovements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art areintended to be covered by the appended claims.

1. A device for treating a spine of a patient, comprising: a supportmember configured to be connected to a torso of a patient; a necksupport for engaging at least a portion of a neck of the patient; anactuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patient relative tothe torso by moving the neck support relative to the support member; anda control operatively connected to said actuator mechanism to adjustdistraction of the spine, wherein said actuator mechanism is operable bythe patient.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said controlincludes at least one knob rotatably mounted to said actuator mechanism.3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said actuator mechanismincludes at least one gear connected to said control, said at least onegear operative to distract the spine when said control is actuated. 4.The device according to claim 1, wherein said control is adjustable whensaid device is worn by the patient and said control is operable based onpatient feedback.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein saidactuator mechanism moves the spine with a composite force, the compositeforce having a first component and a second component orthogonal to thefirst component.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein at least aportion of said actuator mechanism is extendable in a generally superiordirection relative to said support member; and wherein said actuatormechanism is tiltable forward and backward about an axis alignedsubstantially in a medial-lateral orientation.
 7. The device accordingto claim 1, wherein said neck support includes a chin support forengaging at least a portion of a chin of the patient, said chin supportoperatively connected to and moved by said actuator mechanism.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said actuator mechanism isselectively actuatable to flex and extend the neck of the patient. 9.The device according to claim 1, wherein said actuator mechanism ismovable to a first position, said first position stretching the neck ofthe patient, and is movable to a second position, said second positionfurther stretching the neck of the patient.
 10. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said neck support includes a back portion configured toengage the neck of the patient proximate a base of a skull of thepatient.
 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein a strap securessaid back portion adjacent to the neck.
 12. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said support member is configured to engage a shoulderof the patient.
 13. A device for treating a spine of a patient,comprising: a torso support configured to engage a torso of a patient; aback portion configured to engage at least a portion of a neck of thepatient; an actuator mechanism mounted to said torso support; at leastone arm operatively connecting said actuator mechanism and said backportion; and a knob connected to said actuator mechanism to adjustdistraction of a spine of the patient.
 14. The device of claim 13,wherein said actuator mechanism includes at least one gear configured toadjust a distance between said torso support and said back portion uponrotation of said knob.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein said actuatormechanism includes a shaft interposing said knob and said at least onegear.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein said actuator mechanism isconfigured so that rotation of said knob in a first direction increasesthe distance between said torso support and said back portion; andwherein said actuator mechanism is configured so that rotation of saidknob in a second direction decreases the distance between said torsosupport and said back portion.
 17. The device of claim 13, wherein saidactuator mechanism is pivotally mounted to said torso support.
 18. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein said actuator mechanism is operative toprevent a force applied to said at least one arm from causing rotationof said knob.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein said actuatormechanism includes a base link including an internally threaded openingengaged with a screw, said base link coupled to said at least one armand said screw operatively coupled to said knob, said actuator mechanismthereby preventing the force applied to said at least one arm fromcausing rotation of said knob.
 20. The device of claim 13, wherein saidtorso support engages a shoulder of the patient.
 21. The device of claim13, wherein said back portion is adjustably mounted to said at least onearm.
 22. The device of claim 13, wherein said knob is operative to causeat least one of flexion and extension of the spine of the patient whilecontrolling a distance between said torso support and said back portionto adjust distraction of the spine of the patient.
 23. The device ofclaim 13, wherein said back portion is configured to articulate the neckof the patient into a slightly flexed position prior to distracting thespine of the patient.
 24. A neck brace comprising: a head supportconfigured to engage at least one of a chin of a patient and a neck ofthe patient; a torso support configured to connect to a torso of thepatient; an actuator mechanism mounted to said torso support; at leastone arm extending generally superiorly from sa id actuator mechanism andconnected to said head support; and a knob connected to said actuatormechanism, said knob rotatable by the patient to move said at least onearm relative to said actuator mechanism.
 25. The neck brace of claim 24,wherein said head support includes at least one back portion shaped toconform to at least a portion of the neck of the patient proximate abase of a skull of the patient.
 26. The neck brace of claim 25, whereinsaid head support extends generally posteriorly from said at least onearm to said back portion along at least one side of a head of thepatient.
 27. The neck brace of claim 25, wherein said head supportincludes a chin support shaped to conform to a chin of the patient. 28.The neck brace of claim 24, further comprising a pivot connectionpivotally connecting said actuator mechanism relative to said torsosupport, said pivot connection oriented generally in a medial-lateraldirection.
 29. The neck brace of claim 24, further comprising a pinslidably positioned within a slot defined by said torso support, saidpin coupling said actuator mechanism to said torso support.
 30. The neckbrace of claim 24, wherein said knob is operative to increase a distancebetween said torso support and said head support upon rotation of saidknob in a first direction and operative to decrease the distance betweensaid torso support and said head support upon rotation of said knob in asecond direction, the second direction opposite the first direction. 31.The neck brace of claim 24, wherein said at least one arm includes anupper end positioned generally opposite said actuator mechanism; andwherein said head support is slidably adjustably mounted to said upperend of said at least one arm.
 32. The neck brace of claim 31, furthercomprising at least one clamp selectively inhibiting sliding adjustmentof said head support relative to said upper end of said at least onearm.
 33. The neck brace of claim 24, wherein said torso support isconfigured to releasably engage an anterior portion of the torso of thepatient.
 34. The neck brace of claim 24, further comprising at least onestrap configured to releasably couple said torso support to the torso ofthe patient.
 35. The neck brace of claim 24, wherein increasing thedistance between said head support and said torso support elongates atleast a portion of a spine of the patient.
 36. The neck brace of claim24, wherein increasing the distance between said head support and saidtorso support reduces pressure in at least a portion of a spine of thepatient.
 37. The neck brace of claim 24, wherein increasing the distancebetween said head support and said torso support distracts at least aportion of a spine of the patient.
 38. The neck brace of claim 24,wherein adjusting the distance between said head support and said torsosupport at least one of flexes and extends at least a portion of a spineof the patient.
 39. The device according to claim 1, wherein saidcontrol moves said neck support relative to said actuator mechanism todistract the spine.
 40. A device for treating a spine of a patient,comprising: a support member configured to be connected to a torso of apatient; a neck support for engaging at least a portion of a neck of thepatient; an actuator mechanism for distracting a spine of the patientrelative to the torso, said actuator mechanism comprising at least onegear; and a control operatively connected to said actuator mechanism,said control actuatable by the patient to operate said at least one gearto adjust distraction of the spine.
 41. The device according to claim40, wherein said control comprises a knob rotatably mounted to saidactuator mechanism.
 42. The device according to claim 41, wherein saidknob is rotatable to move said back portion relative to said actuatormechanism.
 43. The device according to claim 41, wherein said knob isrotatable to control a distance between said torso support and said backportion.
 44. The device according to claim 41, wherein said knob isconfigured to resist movement between said torso support and said backportion.
 45. The device according to claim 13, wherein said knob isrotatable to move said back portion relative to said actuator mechanism.46. The device according to claim 13, wherein said knob is rotatable tocontrol a distance between said torso support and said back portion. 47.The device according to claim 13, wherein said knob is configured toresist movement between said torso support and said back portion.
 48. Adevice for treating a spine of a patient, comprising: a torso supportconfigured to engage a torso of a patient; a back portion configured toengage at least a portion of a neck of the patient; an actuatormechanism mounted to said torso support, said actuator mechanismcomprising at least one gear; at least one arm operatively connectingsaid actuator mechanism and said back portion; and a knob rotatablyconnected to said actuator mechanism to adjust distraction of a spine ofthe patient, said knob rotatable by the patient to move said at leastone gear to adjust a distance between said torso support and said backportion.
 49. The device according to claim 48, wherein rotation of saidknob in a first direction increases the distance between said torsosupport and said back portion and rotation of said knob in a seconddirection decreases the distance between said torso support and saidback portion.
 50. The device according to claim 48, wherein saidactuator mechanism comprises: a base link coupled to said at least onearm, said base link defining an internally threaded opening; and anexternally threaded screw rotatably positioned with said opening andoperatively coupled to said knob, said actuator mechanism therebypreventing a force applied to said at least one arm from causingrotation of said knob.
 51. The device according to claim 48, whereinsaid knob is rotatable to cause at least one of flexion and extension ofthe spine of the patient while controlling the distance between saidtorso support and said back portion.
 52. The device according to claim48, wherein said back portion is configured to articulate the neck ofthe patient into a flexed position prior to distracting the spine of thepatient.
 53. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portionof the spine is progressively stretched.
 54. The device according toclaim 13, wherein at least a portion of the spine is progressivelystretched.
 55. The neck brace according to claim 24, wherein at least aportion of a spine is progressively stretched.
 56. The device accordingto claim 40, wherein at least a portion of the spine is progressivelystretched.